Cycling Champion Read Free Page A

sweating and panting for breath.
    When Austin finished practice that afternoon, his legs felt like rubber. He barely had enough energy to bike home. And they hadn’t even biked the course yet.
    His brothers were in the living room watching TV when Austin walked into the house.
    â€œWhoa, what happened to you?” Josh asked, taking in Austin’s sweaty clothes and flushed face.
    â€œI had cycling practice,” Austin said.
    â€œI didn’t know you were on a cycling team,” Matt said. “Did they hose you down or something? You’re drenched.”
    â€œWe did a lot of sprint training on our bikes,” Austin said. “There’s a big cycling race coming up in a month that we’re training for. I’m finally going to win to my own trophy.”
    His brothers exchanged a quick look. “You know it’s not just about winning a trophy, right, Austin?” Josh asked.
    â€œEasy for you to say,” Austin said. “You guys have a million trophies.”
    â€œDon’t get me wrong, winning is great,” Matt said. “But we play basketball and football and everything else because we love to play. Not because we want a trophy.”
    â€œIf you say so,” Austin said. “I’m going to go get cleaned up for dinner.”
    I don’t care what they say , he thought as he headed upstairs to shower. I’m going to win the race and the trophy. And then I’m finally going to prove I’m as good as my brothers.

CHAPTER 6
SMARTER, NOT FASTER
    Over the next few weeks, Austin spent every free minute he had training with Dylan and the River City Racers. The River City Criterium was getting closer and closer.
    â€œA good criterium racer needs experience,” Coach Brady told the group at practice one morning. “Being fast and fit is only part of it. You need a good strategy, patience, pack positioning, and bike handling.”
    Coach Brady had them practice riding in a pack over the course. That would help the riders get used to the pushing and jostling that would take place during the race.
    Riding with all the other cyclists so close together, especially around the corners, was scary at first. Austin knew that riding in a pack could be dangerous. Concentration was important to make sure none of the riders rode into each other. If one cyclist went down, the whole group could go down.
    But Austin knew he had to get used to the tough conditions if he wanted to win. As Coach Brady had explained, a criterium meant riding close together and bumping throughout the race. Riders had to learn to hold their lines and go with the pack, keeping the distance between riders equal even through the turns.
    When they weren’t practicing with the River City Racers, Austin and Dylan rode together to build up strength and work on their speed. Racing in a criterium required speed right from the start. The race was only a few miles long. If a rider fell behind, there often wasn’t enough time to catch up.
    With all their training, Austin knew he was getting faster. Still, there was so much to remember. Focus on your breathing so you don’t get winded too soon. Bend lower over the handlebars so you’ll be more aerodynamic. Remember to glide with the pedals — don’t pump them so hard. You’ll tire your muscles out way more than you need to.
    He and Dylan were doing some practice laps one afternoon when Austin realized he was actually in the lead.
    He was about to congratulate himself. But then suddenly, he heard the hum of Dylan’s tires on the pavement right behind him. Before Austin knew what was happening, Dylan shot past him on the inside, hugging the corner tightly.
    When they reached the end of the course, Dylan was waiting for him. Austin slumped on the seat, his lungs burning.
    â€œHow did you do that?” Austin asked. “I thought I had you back there! I was pedaling as hard as I could!”
    â€œBut you didn’t